Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
Lotus Pond, located in Zuoying District, is a scenic spot with deep Eastern connotations. It is bordered by Guishan to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers, which gave off a soothing fragrance every summer, earning it the reputation of "Pan Shui He Xiang" and making it one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Fengshan" in the Qing era. The iconic building by the pond, the Dragon and Tiger Tower, offers a powerful experience of Eastern religious culture. It was specially recommended by CNN, and it is one of the most traditional religious scenic areas in Kaohsiung City. There are over 20 temples around Lotus Pond, with the Dragon and Tiger Tower, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Beiji Xuantian Emperor Temple, and Confucius Temple being the most well-known. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Tower is the most favored by international visitors, making it a must-visit spot in Kaohsiung. In 2014, CNN featured the "Dragon and Tiger Tower of Lotus Pond" in its article "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung" for its ability to ward off misfortune. The Dragon and Tiger Tower, built in 1976, stands seven stories tall and allows entry from the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, symbolizing “entering through the dragon and exiting through the tiger,” which is believed to bring good fortune. Climbing to the top of the tower provides a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. The Spring and Autumn Pavilions, built in 1953, stand next to the Dragon and Tiger Tower for over half a century. They are two Chinese palace-style pavilions referred to as "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," named in honor of Confucius for his work "Spring and Autumn." Each pavilion is four stories, octagonal, with green tiles and yellow walls, resembling pagodas. The shadows of these ancient structures reflect beautifully in the water and connect with the Nine Turns Bridge, commemorating the Martial Sage Guan Yu. The pavilions include a dragon-shaped tunnel, similar to that of the Dragon and Tiger Tower, where visitors can follow the guidance and enter through the dragon's mouth. Inside, the tunnel is adorned with colorful murals that narrate rich religious stories, and many visitors come with a sense of reverence to appreciate the exquisite artwork on the walls. At the front of the Spring Pavilion stands a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin Bodhisattva once rode a dragon in the clouds and instructed followers to build a statue in the shape she appeared. The Five-Mile Pavilion, derived from the term "Five-Mile Mist," inspired by Li Shangyin's poem, represents a mysterious realm. The pavilion, about two stories high with flying eaves and yellow tiles, looks captivating. On a misty morning, it seems to float over the lake, resembling a fairy palace. At night, the long lights along the embankment emit a soft glow, resembling a mythical realm. Climbing the staircase to the second floor of the Five-Mile Pavilion offers a stunning view of Lotus Pond, with a distinctly Eastern ambiance. Starting from March 10, 2025, the Kaohsiung Zuoying Confucius Temple will undergo structural strengthening and renovation, expected to be completed by September 15, 2025. The largest Confucius Temple in Taiwan is located next to Lotus Pond, modeled after Northern Chinese palace-style architecture, with references to the Qufu Confucius Temple. The grand structure includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, East and West Corridor, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, Yilu Square, Minglun Hall, Wanren Palace Wall, Pan Pond, and arch bridges, making it well-equipped. Established as early as 1684 by County Magistrate Yang Fangsheng, the shrine has been rebuilt multiple times due to storm damage during the Qianlong and Guangxu eras to achieve its current scale. An annual Confucius ceremony is held on Teacher's Day, September 28th. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a well-known family-friendly destination in Kaohsiung, featuring diverse and locally inspired play equipment, making it the first co-owned park in Kaohsiung. The colorful Rainbow Hill includes elements like megaphones, tube tunnels, and climbing walls for children to explore; kids can train their coordination on rope climbing structures in the sandbox area. Recently, a 30-meter-long zip line was added, along with features like bird’s nest swings and balance beams, making it an excellent place for families to enjoy and learn together. The aesthetic slow life by Lotus Pond, surrounded by pavilions, giant statues, and city walls, exudes an "old city" atmosphere, rich with historic sites, old neighborhoods, and veteran villages where one can explore the vibrant local flavors through street and traditional markets. The beautiful scenery of Lotus Pond offers various water activities for those seeking excitement. The circular path around the pond caters to both walkers who wish to enjoy the scenic views and cyclists who can glide through at their own rhythm. Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park, the first international standard cable ski area in Taiwan, has attracted over a million visitors since its opening in 2014. It also hosts international invitation competitions periodically to draw tourists from different countries. Through media broadcasts during competitions, it creates tourist peaks from a sports tourism perspective, helping more people discover a different side of Kaohsiung. PAMMA Coffee, located next to the Yuan Di Temple by Lotus Pond, combines ecological surroundings with a bright, pure white architecture that allows visitors to enjoy elegant lakeside views while savoring light meals and beverages. It has become a popular spot for both domestic and international travelers looking for new picturesque locations in the famous Lotus Pond scenic area. Mango Coffee, located in the Confucius Temple, offers affordable coffee drinks and traditional afternoon tea pastries in an atmosphere rich in Chinese culture, providing a unique experience of Chinese-style coffee and tea time. Chengyi Temple in Zuoying District can be simply referred to as Chengyi Ciji Temple or Zuoying Ciji Temple, commonly known as "Old..."
